Strange and Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko

Blake Bell has put together a wonderful book about one of the most interesting figures in modern pop culture history. I was worried STRANGE AND STRANGER might come across as too biased on Ditko's side of history but it certainly does not. I understand a lot more about Ditko but I also have many more questions after reading this book! Absolute must have for any Ditko fan or anyone interested in comics history.

Steve Ditko has always been a fascinating figure in the history of comics. One of the field's true originals, his incredible dedication to his personal philosophy can be viewed as an act of purity or hubris depending on where you stand, but this examination by Blake Bell is about as even handed effort as you will find when examining such a controversial figure. Focusing initially on what little is known about Ditko's early years, Bell correctly moves to an examination of his art, which in itself is truly amazing. Bell's close look at Ditko's many innovations, with proper credit given to those who influenced Ditko, is worth the purchase of the book for anyone interested in the history of comics. Using a number of examples, Bell clearly illustrates Ditko's growth as an artist and just as clearly shows his artistic deterioration as his philosophical musings overwhelmed his ability to convey them in new ways. As I have read a number of Ditko's works relating to Rand's "Objectivism" I can state that Bell accurately portrays the repetitiveness and boredom this work produces.

My basic concerns with the book arise when Bell invests too much of his personal history with Ditko into the work; an approach that is better served in magazine article than in a full-fledged biography. Also, the extras at the end with various covers and humorous work feels like padding without being incorporated into the body of the work.
But considering Ditko's reclusive nature this is about as close as a comic fan is going to get to this artist and bell's hard work is to admired.

What a great book. If you are interested in Ditko or comic art in general, this is a wonderful book. A handsome volume with excellent examples of Ditko's work, the graphic representations are ultimately trumped by the text. Now, I have no idea as to the veracity of the author's history of Ditko's professional life, but he presents his understanding of Ditko in a logical and clear manner. The influences on Ditko's work are represented by the author to follow Ditkos interest and eventual immersion into Ayn Rand's philosophy of objectivism. This assertion by the author appears credible given that Ditko's work adopted more and more the basic ideas espoused by Rand as his career progressed. Although Ditko's expression of objectivism is a bit ham-fisted, for comic books it was really quite interesting and bold. Ditko was a wonderful artist, my favorite, and seeing his life and work presented in such an appealing and professional work was well worth the bargain price this book set me back. The author obviously esteemed Ditko, but not to the point of idealizing him with a gratuitous narrative. Excellent work yielding an excellent book.

Seriously, I grew up knowing that Ditko was awesome. This book just proves it further. Lavishly illustrated, well written and researched, this book is easily one of my favorite bios of my favorite comic legends. Steve inspired me to pick up a pencil and do what i do best and has done it once again. Bell, ya did a great job.

Finally. Someone has written a definitive history of the life of the creator of Spider-Man, Dr. Strange, and many other classic comic book heroes. Ditko's statement that he wanted only his work to speak for him was never satisfying enough for his fans, who wanted to know more. This book details his life in the comic book industry to present day and answers so many questions (like, why he left Spider-Man and Marvel Comics at the initial height of Spider-Man's popularity). The book is stuffed with quality reproductions of Ditko's art through his entire career and the stories told keep the reader turning page after page, just to see what happens next. Blake Bell is to be commended for producing a quality book on one of the greatest comic book artists ever.